April 15, 2013

Will Josh Brent show up for the off season workouts, despite facing intoxication manslaughter charges

As the Dallas Cowboys open the off-season program Monday, one big question is whether they will be joined by defensive tackle Josh Brent, who is facing intoxication manslaughter charges for the Dec. 8 death of practice-squad linebacker Jerry Brown.

Brent will stand trial in Dallas County on Sept. 23 and faces up to 20 years in prison.

He remains free on $100,000 bond and must wear an electronic ankle bracelet.

But because he is not suspended by the Cowboys or the NFL, Brent could join the rest of his teammates for not only the voluntary off-season program, but the mandatory mini-camp in June as well as training camp in July.

According to a team source, there has been no agreement between Brent and the Cowboys for him to stay away.

Absent an agreement, players on a roster are generally permitted to attend and participate in off-season team activities, per a league source.

There is no chance Brent will play for the Cowboys next season. But the team or the league has yet to rule officially on his status, opening the door for him to presumably participate in team activities in the interim. His $630,000 salary still counts against the salary cap.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has the authority to take action prior to the resolution of the case in court but has yet to do so.